Belen Student Charged After BB Style Gun Found on Campus

A student in the Belen area was charged after school staff discovered a BB style gun on campus on December 5, 2025. School administrators reported the item to local law enforcement, who responded and filed charges appropriate to the student s age and status, either through juvenile proceedings or a misdemeanor complaint. District officials said they also took disciplinary measures consistent with school policy.

School staff identified the device during the school day and alerted campus administrators, who then involved the police. Law enforcement secured the item and removed the student from campus, and the school district notified parents of those directly impacted. District administrators told families they were coordinating with investigators and reviewing their safety procedures to prevent similar incidents.

The episode followed established protocols for threats and weapons on campus, according to district statements, and officials emphasized student safety as the guiding priority. Administrators said communications went out to parents and students affected by the event, and the school worked with officers to ensure classrooms could resume once the scene was cleared. The district did not release identifying details about the student or the disciplinary specifics beyond confirming action had been taken in line with policy.

For local residents the event underscores the practical challenges schools face distinguishing between nonlethal lookalike devices and actual firearms, and the ripple effects such discoveries have on classroom instruction, parental trust, and campus security routines. The involvement of police and potential criminal charges mean the incident will be processed outside regular school disciplinary channels as well, raising questions about coordination between the district, law enforcement, and juvenile justice officials.

Administrators said they would review current prevention measures and notification practices, indicating possible adjustments to screening, staff training, and family outreach. The incident also points to broader policy considerations for the school board and county leaders, including whether existing rules about possession of replica weapons require clarification, and how the community can balance safety with due process for students.

As the case moves through legal and administrative channels, district officials plan to brief the school board and provide updates to families directly affected. The episode has prompted renewed attention on campus safety among parents, educators, and local officials across Valencia County.